[For Seniors] Challenge! Papercutting (Kirie) Idea Collection
Kirie is an art form in which you cut paper with scissors, utility knives, and the like to complete a motif.
Unlike brush painting, it features a clear contrast of light and dark and crisp contour lines created by using blades.
This time, we’re introducing kirie themes we’d love older adults to try!
We’ve picked them with “beginners” in mind, so they should be easy to tackle.
How about using them during recreation time at nursing homes or day service centers?
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- Easy origami that delights the elderly. Enjoy a heart-lifting time with seasonal origami.
[For Seniors] Challenge! Kirie (Papercutting) Idea Collection (11–20)
Spider web
A motif you’ll want to include when Halloween approaches—such as for an autumn craft activity—is this spiderweb.
Looking at the finished piece, you might worry, “Can someone who’s never tried papercutting really make such a complex shape?” But don’t worry! You can make this motif by folding the paper and cutting it while the layers are stacked.
Some of the cutting lines are a bit intricate, but many are straight, so it’s fairly approachable.
Controlling the scissors also provides a nice bit of fine-motor practice.
morning glory
This is a kirigami paper-cut design featuring morning glories that bloom refreshingly on summer mornings.
It’s a simple craft anyone can make, great for fine motor practice and perfect for a school project or craft activity with children.
The method is straightforward: fold origami paper into a specific shape, sketch the morning glory pattern, and cut with scissors.
By arranging these morning glory cutouts like a curtain, you can create a lovely wall decoration—give it a try! You can also enjoy different looks by adjusting the width, length, and spacing when you hang them.
a flower with eight petals
An eight-petaled flower that looks beautiful and can be adapted for wall or windowsill decorations and hanging ornaments.
It may seem difficult, but by carefully drawing the pattern, anyone can tackle it with ease.
The key when sketching the petal lines is to draw slowly and neatly, and keeping it symmetrical is another useful tip.
You might feel a little thrill wondering what shape will appear at the moment it opens! Changing the material—like gradient origami paper, sparkly paper, or traditional Japanese patterns—will give it a different vibe, so be sure to give it a try.
Sakura Paper Cutout
Do you know the paper-cutting artist Kanako Yaguchi? How should I put it—her kirigami pieces are fun to look at, beautiful to display, and make you marvel, “Is this all paper cutting?” If you’re curious, definitely look her up.
Here, we’re introducing a sakura (cherry blossom) kirigami project.
Even if you’ve never tried kirigami before, don’t worry—there are motifs that beginners can tackle with ease.
When you bring together each individual piece, they can become a striking wall decoration, so invite lots of friends and enjoy a wonderful time together!
Paper cutouts of osmanthus flowers
Kinmokusei (fragrant orange osmanthus) is a plant that blooms with orange flowers in autumn and is known as one of Japan’s three great fragrant trees—its scent is very popular.
This project shows how to create a pattern resembling a chain of tiny kinmokusei flowers by cutting folded origami.
Fold the origami into a triangle, mark flower shapes on it, then cut along the marks and unfold to reveal a connected row of kinmokusei.
Since it can look flat on its own, it’s also recommended to layer the pieces, glue them onto a backing sheet, or add decorations like stickers to give it a more three-dimensional look.
Maple leaf paper cutout
Papercutting that makes your heart race when it’s finished, and the moment you open it is fun.
How about trying a papercut in the shape of a maple leaf? You can make it with any way of folding and cutting, so with a little creativity you can enjoy many different designs.
Fold it firmly with the colored side facing inward, and draw lines on the white side to match the image you want to cut out.
Be careful—it’s delicate work—so watch your fingers with the scissors, and make sure not to cut through the connecting parts.
Paste your papercut on construction paper or hang it on the wall and enjoy.
[For Seniors] Challenge! Papercutting (Kirie) Idea Collection (21–30)
carnation
These carnation paper cutouts are perfect for Mother’s Day decorations and gifts! Using pinking shears, which are ideal for creating jagged lines, really brings out the carnation’s look.
First, carefully fold a sheet of origami paper and lightly sketch a carnation design with a pencil.
Next, make two cuts with the pinking shears and cut the remaining parts with regular scissors.
Open it up to reveal a gorgeous carnation! You can use classic red or pink, or try yellow or white origami paper.
It would also be lovely to express your gratitude by arranging them in a bouquet-style decoration.